chemotherapy treatment fund

In January 2015, my Dad announced to his family that the only gift he wants for his 60th birthday in October was for all of us to run the Hartford Marathon with him.  Just a few short months later we shocked when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer.  The summer went from training for the marathon to doctors' appointments, biopsies, tests and finally a few months of chemotherapy. The week after his birthday he finished chemo and what we thought would be the finish line, a surgery, turned into nothing more than a stop in his battle against cancer.

 Through it all, my Dad has remained positive and strong, even though the future has been uncertain and he felt like his body had failed him. Even though he was unable to run the Hartford Marathon for his monumental 60th birthday, we, his children, ran the half marathon in honor of him as a surprise to show him how much we love and support him.

 My Dad is my hero and even after everything he has been through he puts his family first and puts aside his worry and financial strain. For Father's Day my son and I decided to set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer center, where my Dad has spent countless hours, to help patients and families who are not able to afford treatments without losing everything they have.

 Even though we have been living a horrible nightmare, we have stuck together and supported each other through it all and believe that everything happens for a reason.  Our hope is that we are able to help out families going through a similar nightmare by taking away the stress of financial hardship and will donate every cent to families in need at the Cancer center at Hartford Hospital.

Update:  Even while undergoing treatment for cancer, Dad has entered the upcoming Hartford Marathon in October and is challenging people to donate something for every mile he completes!

Update:  On 10/8/16 Dad ran and completed the Hartford Marathon!!!!  The strength and determination that he showed during the marathon as he fought for every step was absolutely inspirational and came as no surprise to anyone as he has done that day in and day out for over a year while fighting for his life.  No matter how much pain he was in, he was determined to finish the race for all those people who cannot afford treatment....he was a man on a mission and did not want to let anyone down.  My Dad is more my hero today than he was 2 days ago, something I did not think was possible.  I am so proud and honored to be called his Daughter!

****we need an additional $2000 to start a fund at Hartford Hospital under my Dad's name! Please help us raise this money!!!****